"The report that Lovie Smith interviewed for the USC head coaching job is being denied by Lovie Smith.

Smith told Jay Glazer of FOX Sports that he was taken aback by the report that he interviewed for the USC job. Smith told Glazer that he absolutely did not interview with USC and has zero interest in the job."

"The report that Lovie Smith interviewed for the USC head coaching job is being denied by Lovie Smith.

Smith told Jay Glazer of FOX Sports that he was taken aback by the report that he interviewed for the USC job. Smith told Glazer that he absolutely did not interview with USC and has zero interest in the job."

Lovie is one of my favorite coaches in the NFL. Not only is he an outstanding person, but he has a hell'uva defensive mind too. A former COY on the staff wouldn't be a bad addition, but he's going to go coach the Bucs sadly.

Nothing but the best to Lovie and the Bucs. I hope he can rebuild that franchise with a player like Revis to start with on defense.

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers wasted no time finding the man to run their team.

Lovie Smith will be the new coach in Tampa, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday, according to a person with knowledge of the negotiations. The sides are finalizing a multiyear deal.

Smith, the former Chicago Bears coach, was the leading candidate from the start of the Bucs' search. He will return to the team where he was the linebackers coach from 1996 to 2000. Fox's Jay Glazer first reported the contract.

League executives informed of the Bucs' process told Rapoport earlier this week that there was talk of bringing together the old Tampa Bay group, including former Bears general manager Jerry Angelo, former Seahawks general manager Tim Ruskell and others. Two other personnel men formerly with the Bears -- Kansas City's Chris Ballard and Washington's Morocco Brown -- also are names to watch, Rapoport reported.

Smith compiled an 81-63 record in nine seasons with the Bears. During his time in the Windy City, Smith championed solid defensive groups. His talents and leadership should mesh well with the defensive personnel currently in Tampa.

The biggest critique of Smith in Chicago was his handling of the offensive side of the ball.

To quell those concerns, sources close to Smith told Rapoport earlier in the week that the plan is to bring in former Cal head coach Jeff Tedford as offensive coordinator.

For defensive coordinator, Smith is looking at two options. His first choice is Rod Marinelli, the former Detroit Lions head coach who's currently under contract with the Cowboys as a defensive line coach. If Smith can't get Marinelli, Rapoport said former Vikings coach Leslie Frazier could be brought on as defensive coordinator.

With the hiring of Smith, the Bucs will be a trendy pick to go from cellar dweller to playoff contender -- similar to the path the Kansas City Chiefs took this year after bringing on Andy Reid.

Smith previously interviewed with the Houston Texans, who will name Bill O'Brien as their head coach. The Detroit Lions also had strong interest in interviewing Smith for their opening.